Matter of Estate of Risovi

MESCHKE, Justice.

Paul Putnam appealed from a county court ruling which “ratified” an Order and Amended Order Approving Settlement and Confirmation of Distribution of an Estate, arguing that they were void because the judge was disqualified. We reverse and remand for trial of Putnam’s claim in the estate.

Frank Risovi executed a will in 1974, which created a trust for most of his property. Fern Kurtz, Risovi’s daughter, was named trustee. The trust was to provide a lifetime income to Risovi’s wife. After her death, the trustee was to terminate the trust and distribute the principal to herself,…